Airline/Airport Agent & Aviation Management

Cypress College Career EducationDepartmentsAviation & Travel CareersAirline/Airport Agent & Aviation Management

Build Your Future in Aviation

The Airline Customer Service, Airport Operations, and Aviation Management Programs prepare students for employment and advancement as an airline customer service agent, operations agent, or aviation management professional. These programs provide students with the foundational skills, practical knowledge, communication skills, and technical training necessary for a career in the aviation industry. Students completing these programs will develop an understanding of the safety, security, service, and regulatory requirements necessary to work in aviation management. You will learn key tips from industry professionals about how to be successful in the competitive hiring process, in the rigorous training, and in advancing your career.

Our three primary goals are:

To prepare you to be successful in the competitive hiring process
To prepare you to pass the rigorous training requirements and FAA exams
To provide college credit toward certificates, degrees, and transfer that will prepare you for career advancement opportunities

Location

Tech Ed 1, Room 202

Frequently Asked Questions

Students may choose to begin with a basic certificate, leading to an advanced certificate, and/or an associate degree in Airline Customer Services (ticket agent), Airport Operations (ramp and operations control agent), or Aviation Management (includes all aspects of airline and aviation management). Students may also choose to dual major in areas such as airline customer service or flight attendant and then apply some of their coursework to the management degree as well. All courses are degree applicable and transferable to a four-year university.

Students may attend full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take between 12 to 18 units per semester. Basic certificates (18 units) can be earned in one to two semesters, advanced certificates (35 units) in two to three semesters, and AS degrees (60 units) in two years. Courses are offered on campus, online, during the day and in the evenings.

The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is 3 units per course. Unit fees for a basic 18-unit certificate would be $828; an advanced certificate would be $1,610; and a 60-unit associate degree would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some financial aid.

Graduates work in all of the major airlines, including Alaska, American, Cathay Pacific, Compass, Delta, Emirates, JetBlue, SkyWest, Southwest, United, Virgin America, Hallmark Aviation, Swissport Aviation, and more.
Graduates also work at Los Angeles World Airports, Long Beach Airport, John Wayne Airport, Ontario Airport, Van Nuys Airport, Boeing, Jet Flite International, and more.

Cypress College ATC students have many transfer options, including the B.S. Aviation Administration Program at California State University, Los Angeles: http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/tech/bs-aviation-administration

If you are interested in transferring and earning a 4-year degree, please visit the Counseling Center or make an appointment with our CTE Counselor Jane Jepson at jjepson@cypresscollege.edu.

Students are also encouraged to visit the Cypress College Transfer Center website at http://www.cypresscollege.edu/services/transfer

Captain Edilberto Valdez

My career began as a Ramp Agent at Los Angeles International Airport at the age of 18, serving international airlines loading bags, connecting ground power units, air start units and yes, even the honey bucket on Boeing 707s, DC-8s and DC-10s. I have been a pilot for United Airlines, Champion Air, Skywest Airlines and a Corporate Chief Pilot.

Jacqueline Aguet Graham

Program Mapper: View course options for these programs, below.

Airline Customer Services Basic Certificate =18 units (1 to 2 semesters)

Airline Customer Services Advanced Certificate = 35 units (2 to 3 semesters)

Airline Customer Services Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)

Airport Operations Basic Certificate = 18 Units (1 to 2 semesters)

Aviation Management Certificate = 35 units (2 to 3 semesters)

Aviation Management Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)

There are no academic prerequisites or test to begin this program; however, there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. For example, you may need to pass a physical exam and a 10-year background check, and you may need a U.S. Passport. Some careers may have additional requirements such as the need to wear a uniform within specified guidelines such as conservative hairstyles and no visible tattoos. While each industry will have unique requirements, you may want to investigate your options or talk privately to the program coordinator if you have any personal concerns or questions.

Customer Service Agent

Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Have a valid driver’s license
Be at least 18 years of age
Pass an extensive post offer pre-employment background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal history record check required by federal law
Pass a post offer pre-employment drug test
Frequently lift bags or items weighing up to and including 50 pounds
Occasionally lift bags or items weighing between 50 and 70 pounds
Pass a physical agility test
Be authorized to work in the US
Possess entry-level computer skills
Strong verbal and written communication skills using appropriate grammar, tone, and pronunciation
Be willing to work a fixed and/or rotating schedule including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays

Baggage Handler

Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
Have a valid driver’s license
Be at least 18 years of age
Pass an extensive post offer pre-employment background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal history record check required by federal law
Pass a post offer pre-employment drug test
Frequently lift bags or items weighing up to and including 50 pounds.
Occasionally lift bags or items weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.
Pass a physical agility test
Be authorized to work in the US
Possess basic computer skills
Have strong verbal communication skills
Be willing to work a fixed and/or rotating schedule including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays

Airport Security Manager

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Management, Airway Science, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, Business Administration, or in a field related to the job, plus
seven (7) years’ experience in airport operations, airport security or administering provisions of 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1500 at a medium or large hub airport, two (2) years of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
Federally mandated security clearances.

Airport and Ground Operations Supervisor

High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
Must be at least 18 years old
Three (3) years customer service, sales, airline experience, or one (1) year JetBlue Airways experience
One (1) year airline supervision or lead experience
Must be able to read, write, and speak English
Must be able to give and receive verbal communication
Must be certified and current in all responsible disciplines OR be able to attend and complete training within 30 days (or next available training session – but must be less than 60 days)
Able to travel and/or work variable hours, flexible shifts, including holidays and weekends
Able to stand continuously up to four (4) hours at a time
Ability to perform under pressure and fixed time constraints
Good standing in Attendance, Performance and Safety
Must be able to use handheld radios and microphones to communicate with operations and make all terminal announcements
Able to work with various forms of payment (cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.)
Proficient knowledge in Microsoft Services and Company required software and application
Possess and maintain a valid Driver License and a driving record that meets JetBlue Airways’ insurance standards
Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge
Depending on location, may need to acquire and maintain a United States Customs Clearance
Pass a ten (10) year background check and pre-employment drug test
Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
Preferred Experience and Qualifications
Bilingual skills
Two (2) years airline supervision or lead experience
Knowledgeable in Airport Operations and/or Ground Operations
Excellent time management and prioritization skills
Excellent customer service skills
Outstanding leadership capabilities, with ability to lead, train and motivate
Ability to think creatively